Robinsons Retail has acquired a 51 per cent controlling interest in The Generics Pharmacy (TGP), the Philippines’ largest and fastest growing generics drugstore chain.

The acquisition of TGP’s over 1800 stores, combined with South Star Drug, will take the retail drugstore network of the group to nearly 2200 stores nationwide, more than Mercury Drugstore’s 1000+ network, making it the largest by store numbers.

Robina Gokongwei‐Pe, president and COO of Robinsons Retail, said TGP strongly believes in its vision to offer quality products at very affordable prices and in convenient locations. “It is an honor to continue the company’s legacy and to further grow the business”.

“As we profit from accomplishing this mission, we ensure our growth is shared among our franchisees, partners, suppliers and employees,” said Benjamin Liuson, founder and chairman of the board of TGP. “It is our hope to bring our business a step higher with our partnership with Robinsons Retail.”

The Liuson family which founded TGP has been in the pharmaceutical business since 1959, initially as importer and wholesaler under the name Pacific Pharma. In 1983, Pacific Pharma shifted its focus to generic medicines after realizing the serious need of most Filipinos for quality medicine at affordable prices.

In 2001, the Liuson family ventured into retail and set up The Generics Pharmacy (TGP). As demand grew, in 2007, TGP decided to bring affordable healthcare and medicines more accessible to far‐flung areas of the country through a franchising business model.